Changes to 90-day Vignettes (stickers) from 15 July 2025

As the Home Office/UKVI continue to digitise the visa issuing process, vignettes will no longer be issued for some visa categories.

From Tuesday 15 July 2025, students applying for the Short-term study visa (and the Child/student visa) will no longer receive a vignette (visa sticker) in their passports. The decision letter they receive from UKVI will contain the details they need to access their eVisa. This means passports generally do not need to be retained by the Visa Application Centre.

Other visa categories that will no longer get a vignette include: Global Business Mobility, Global Talent, International Sportspersons, Skilled Workers (including Health and Care), Temporary Workers, and the Youth Mobility Scheme.

The change applies to the main applicant only. Any dependants and children applying for a visa will receive both a vignette and an eVisa.

What students need to do when their eVisa is granted 

Students should: 

• follow all the instructions in their decision letter to create a UKVI account 
• access their eVisa and check the details are correct 
• link their travel document (e.g. passport) to their eVisa before travelling
  > See eVisa guidance from gov.uk
• get a share code (with their date of birth) to give you, their education provider
  > See immigration status guidance from gov.uk

What education providers need to do

Education providers should:

• ensure students are aware of the changes and what they need to do
• continue to check and record the student's date of arrival, including for those without vignettes, until further notice
  > See sponsorship duties guidance from the Home Office

The sponsor duties document is written for licensed student sponsors. However, it is recommended that all education providers read it.

What information is visible for an eVisa check

The information visible is changing. By the end of July 2025, providers will see more information about students' permission.

The Home Office will be monitoring activity on eVisa checks and will see when/whether checks are being carried out.